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Even though my mom left this world in 2010, moms never really die. She’s still with me, in an even better way. Death freed her from suffering. Her passing also freed me, from the tough parts of our relationship. Now, I enjoy her at her best. When I was younger, I didn’t realize our bond would keep growing. If I …

The other day, I asked one of my classes a simple question: Who is the most difficult person in your life? To my shock, the answer was “mom.” How could that be? These lovely young people vented until I heard their truth. And now, I understand the 3 things a fun mom never does to her adult child. If I …

Seven months ago, I chose to end a three-year relationship. In the past, I would’ve told myself to just get over it. This time, I let myself feel. So I fell into a bottomless pit of fury and grief. Climbing out of it hurt like hell. But to my surprise, I resurfaced holding missing puzzle pieces. Now, after the breakup, …

Marion Kelly is four years old. She’s hapa — half Asian and half-white. She has a Korean mommy, a white American daddy and a baby brother named James. On March 10, Daddy was Skyping an interview with the BBC. When she crashed it, they went viral. And now, I just love how this badass BBC girl inspires my inner child. …

All the news coming out of the White House makes me insane. But after much gloominess and overeating, my doubts are gone. I believe 1,000% in my mantra. Against the odds, I know that love trumps Trump. The only way to carry on is with love — true love. While feel-good emotions can be nice, I’m chasing something more practical …

Our mother-daughter dream vacation just wrapped up 10 days in Vietnam. The trip made memories that bonded us as adult buddies for life. How marvelous to have a 21-year-old adult child who is now one of my best friends. And the trip isn’t over yet! Vietnam offered us everything from nature and incredible eats to military history. Gabi and I kayaked …

About me

I’m a personal coach who specializes in life, work, diversity, communication and writing issues. I’m also a former journalist and currently a professor who teaches writing, public speaking and communication skills.

Most importantly, I’m the recovering daughter of my beloved, crazy control-freak Chinese immigrant parents. What I learned in transforming tough early experiences inspired me to create the Inner Child Institute™.

Our mission is to find your original self — the early parts of you that still influence you in surprising ways because of unresolved pain and shining possibilities.

Reconnecting with your inner child can change your decision-making process and re-shape your choices. I bring to this mission everything I know about standing strong in community and diversity. It’s exciting work. If you’d like to know more about coaching with me, contact me by clicking HERE.